Gettysburg National Military Park is prepared to conduct a prescribed fire April 17-18, 2021, weather permitting. LEARN MORE.

George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital

Exhibits, Tours & Events / Historic Sites / George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital

Site

FAMILY DAY AT SPANGLER MAY 29 | SEASON OFFICIALLY OPENS JUNE 11 

  • 2021 Family Day at Spangler, Saturday, May 29, 2021
  • Spangler Farm & Field Hospital officially opens for the season, Friday, June 11, 2021
  • Living History Programming Schedule TBA Spring 2021
  • Visitor Parking available on-site

Pennsylvania bank barn at George Spangler Farm

In July 1863, a thriving family farm was suddenly transformed as the Union 11th Corps converted the property to a field hospital for more than 1,900 wounded soldiers.

Today, the George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital stands as the best surviving example of a corps-level field hospital used during the Battle of Gettysburg.

Meticulously renovated, the site features restored, original buildings from the 1863 battle to inspire and explore:

  • The stone farmhouse where George Spangler, his wife Elizabeth and four children lived. The family chose to remain during the battle and ongoing field hospital activities, with all six family members moved to just one room of their house.
  • The Pennsylvania bank barn served as the hospital where both Union and Confederate soldiers received care.
  • The summer kitchen used by the family during the warm Pennsylvania summers. Records indicate this is the place where Confederate General Lewis A. Armistead died from wounds he received during Pickett’s Charge.

The site, with living history programming in summer, is open to visitors Friday-Sunday through early Aug. Admission to the site is free with purchase of a ticket to Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center programs and access to the site is free with a Friends of Gettysburg membership. 

NOTE: Following suggested health and safety guidelines, living history programming and encampments were not available in Summer 2020.


Significance

Why visit the George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital?

Walk the grounds, hear the stories and feel the emotions of life–and death–at this historic site forever changed by battle.

Docents provide insight and accounts of experiences on the farm in July 1863:

  • A family forever altered as their farm suddenly transforms from home to hospital.
  • Surgeons and caregivers desperately providing for the wounded amid the chaos of battle.
  • Soldiers experiencing the horrors of war and the humanity of everyday citizens.
Medical instruments at Spangler Farm
 

Story

A family farm.

A strategic location.

A battlefield hospital.

At A Glance

SEASON OPENS JUNE 11
Free admission with the purchase of a Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center ticket
Allow at least 1.5 hours
Special accommodations necessary
Wheelchair accessible
Uneven terrain
Visit the ticket desk for information.
Indoor & Outdoor site - May be impacted by weather. Bring water, sun protection, insect repellent.
Following health and safety guidelines, attendance and vehicles will be limited at a given time.
Parking at the George Spangler Farm & Hospital
488 Blacksmith Shop Rd
Gettysburg, PA 17325

Directions on your mobile device:
George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital
488 Blacksmith Shop Rd
Gettysburg, PA 17325

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Civil War Field Hospitals

Go Prepared.

Learn more about Civil War medicine and medical techniques and go prepared for your next visit to the George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital.

 

Historic Sites

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Eisenhower National Historic Site

Step into the weekend retreat and retirement home of President Dwight D. and Mamie Eisenhower. With its original furnishings and décor, the home offers an intimate perspective of home life for the Eisenhowers in the 1950s.

 

A tour of the property includes the charming home, putting green, bountiful garden, entertainment patio, cattle barns and a skeet and trap shoot.

 

Grounds Open (Free Access)
Home & Reception Area Remain Closed
(More info)

Eisenhower National Historic Site
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Rupp House History Center

Children of Gettysburg 1863

at the Rupp House History Center
Opens Late Summer 2021

 

Remember experiencing Gettysburg with your family?

 

In the summer of 2021, the newly-rennovated Rupp House History Center becomes the home to Gettysburg's most family-friendly history adventure.

Children of Gettysburg 1863
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Gettysburg National Cemetery

Walk the hallowed grounds and take a moment to reflect on those who have given–and are willing to give–“the last full measure of devotion.”


President Lincoln delivered his immortal Gettysburg Address in dedicating the cemetery as the final resting place for more than 3,500 Union soldiers.

Gettysburg National Cemetery
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David Wills House

CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

The home where President Lincoln stayed prior to delivering his Gettysburg Address, the David Wills House features a seven-gallery interactive museum relating the story of Wills, Lincoln’s visit and the Gettysburg Address.

David Wills House
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Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station™

CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

In 1863, enthusiastic crowds gathered outside the depot in hopes of catching a glimpse of the president upon his arrival to Gettysburg.

 

Walk in Lincoln’s footsteps in this free-to-visit museum featuring a self-guided tour with exhibits and artifacts relating to Lincoln and the railroad’s role in the history of Gettysburg.

Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station™

Plan Your Visit to Gettysburg.

Whether you are visiting for the first time, or you return year-after-year, we can help you plan your visit.

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